Category Archives: Playa del Carmen Real Estate

5 Top Riviera Maya Real Estate Trends 2021

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5 Top Riviera Maya Real Estate Trends 2021

2020 was a surprising year for real estate in Riviera Maya real estate. Many have asked me what do I see is in store for 2021?

While Covid settled in 2020, we thought our market would just dry up. Contrary to that, 2020 proved to be a very strong year for real estate in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos. Will we see more of the same results in 2021? Whether you’re selling, buying, or staying put, here are some 2021 real estate trends that are important to you.

These are just my views based on my experiences of 16 years here in Riviera Maya and also reading based on what is going on in the US, or strongest neighbor.

Riviera Maya Real Estate Trend #1: Slim Pickings for Home Buyers

Okay, this is probably the most difficult to believe: It’s true, the desirable properties got snatched up in Covid. Really cool properties that you always saw for sale online, have now been sold. New products are still coming in line sure, but we still see less growth of new than in previous years and higher absorption of the great location resale properties.

But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through what to expect if you enter the market.

What Slim Pickings Mean for Buyers

Low inventory means you need to be prepared. It also means you should trust what your agent is telling you about the market not just what you “see online”.

We KNOW the truth of the market status. We live here and work it full time.

The internet is a big messy advertising medium for Riviera Maya Real Estate with a high inaccuracy of price and availability. ASK us, we can verify the true status for you of any property.

  • Somethings’ gotta give. If you can’t find the property you want, be willing to trade some “nice-to-haves” for your “must-haves.”
  • Be open to other possibilities. What if the location where you’re planning to buy is too competitive? You might be surprised at the gem in a less popular neighborhood. Working with a real estate agent at LivingRivieraMaya.com who really knows the area is the best way to find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle.
  • Be clear about your finances. This is primarily a cash market. VERY few options for mortgages to foreigners. Know what you can afford in cash and the timing of when funds will be available.

Contact US, your real estate experts in Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya Real Estate Trend #2: Prices

In the US in November, home prices grew by an incredible 15% compared to 2019. We can’t say that here, yet. Price homes in the US rose to a national median of well over $300,000. This marks more than 100 straight months of year-over-year price gains. This is partly the reason for our increased velocity of Playa del Carmen real estate transactions, and other Riviera Maya real estate destinations. Investors had more available cash to float from their primary residences to invest in Riviera Maya Real Estate.

What I can foresee for 2021 is that the speed with which Riviera Maya real estate is bought and sold should continue to increase, as long as PRICES are reasonable. Why do I say this? Real estate in Playa or Tulum is still primarily a cash-based, second home market for investors. Keep your prices reasonable when selling to make it accessible for these reasons.

What Prices Mean for Buyers.

Be real with how much house you can really afford.

Don’t make stupid low offers if you really want to own that ONE. We have seen some disappointed buyers who worked hard at looking and deciding, only to go away empty-handed because they were looking to steal property because of Covid. Yes, due to Covid we did see some flexible sellers, but not stupid low prices.

For more help on buying a home in this crazy market, check out our free Home Buyers Guide. It has all the answers you need to buy a home in Mexico with confidence.

What Prices Mean for Sellers

If you have been trying to sell for a year or more, this is good news. You can expect to accomplish this goal as long as the prices are reasonable.

To get the best offer for your home, list it with us, an experienced real estate agency that really knows your local market.

Having said that, be sure to work hard with any offer that comes in so you don’t lose an opportunity.

Some buyers may try to gut punch you with a low number. Work it, don’t ignore it.

We have seen some really low offers turn into really serious negotiations that close and I believe this will continue to be the case for 2021.

Source: Global Property Guide

Riviera Maya Real Estate Trend #3: Mortgage Interest Rates In the US Are Still Super Low

Bottom line? This means you can take out a line of credit on your existing home there and buy a home in Playa del Carmen or Tulum or Puerto Aventuras.

We see more people wanting out of the cold and into the warmth; more people can move their dreams forward, rather than wait; many people are tired of being confined and want the warmth and openness of Mexico.

The average mortgage interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.31% in November 2020—the lowest it’s been since Freddie Mac started reporting nearly 30 years ago!

And now economist geeks think interest rates will continue to hover around 3% in 2021, which is still pretty low.

This represents a good chance to cash out there and buy a home in Playa del Carmen or Tulum or Puerto Aventuras or anywhere in Riviera Maya.

What Lower Rates Mean for Buyers

Sure, interest rates are low right now—which can help you get into Riviera Maya Real estate market. Just be careful to calculate how much you can afford and let us know truthfully.

What Lower Rates Mean for Sellers

If interest rates stay low, buyers will be more motivated to buy your home sooner than later. But if interest rates do start to increase later in the year, just plan for your house to be on the market a little longer.

Riviera Maya Real Estate Estate Trend #4: Online Real Estate Services Are Growing

No doubt you’ve heard of real estate services like Zillow that allow you to browse or list homes for sale online with the click of a button. But did you know that online services are now offering to buy and sell your house for you?

We Offer Services as “Virtual” Agent

It’s a great way to view a property or get to know an area. Book an appointment with one of my trusted experts to get started. We dedicate the time and energy to you to show you real-time what a property can look like, distance to the beach, distance to town, restaurant facades, whatever you want to see.

In 2020 at LivingRivieraMaya.com we saw an increase in online closes by 45% over previous years. Some people had never even been to the town they purchased in and not physically seen the home prior to closing.

I see this as a continued trend in 2021, especially for those Canadians who are must quarantine for 14 days when returning from travels.

Online Closings

In related news, digital technology is also making it easier to handle document-based tasks virtually. For example, many home transactions are using electronic signature apps and remote online notarization to streamline the process.7 In other words, there’s a chance you can buy or sell a house this year without getting out of your car or ever-changing out of your bathrobe and slippers.

Real Estate Trend #5: Confidence

Equity probably won’t decrease through 2021.

With most housing markets at low risk for a downturn, Freddie Mac (US) believes home prices will continue to rise in 2021—but at a slower pace of nearly 3%.

Real Estate in Riviera Maya usually follows tourism and tourism is buoyed by the US economy and the economy in the US is a lot driven by real estate equity.

Does this mean a strong velocity of sales in Riviera Maya real estate for 2021? If we just base our predictions on all the above, yes. However, there are always mitigating external factors that we cannot predict.

A real estate market crash looks unlikely.

With all the uncertainty behind everything that happened in 2020 and with home price growth possibly slowing down in 2021, you might be wondering if the housing market could collapse. Well, it’s impossible to know for sure, but economists suggest a housing crash is unlikely. Again this = CONFIDENCE.

After all, the super-low mortgage rates are motivating investors to bring some cash from the US or Canada and enter the Playa del Carmen real estate market, which increases demand. Many investors and buyers are looking to move full time to Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

But there’s still a very low supply of home listings. This is keeping home-buying competitive and allowing home price growth to soar.

Take Control of the Trends With a Top-Notch Real Estate Agent

Whether you’re selling or buying, you can take advantage of the current trends by partnering with a professional real estate agent at LivingRivieraMaya.com

Find your real estate agent today!

Location is KEY when buying an investment property in Riviera Maya

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Think of booking a vacation or trying to choose a place you want to live- now think of the first factor that comes to mind? Is it the location of the property? Do you decide first which country you want to live in then narrow it down to the city and neighborhood? One slowly learns that being in a location that is convenient for themselves and others is important, especially if they want to rent it out and make money on the property. Also finding a place that is up and coming is a great idea too because you have a head start with finding the best place in the area. You get to choose first! Continue reading →

Tulum or Playa del Carmen as an Investment Option

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You have picked two of my favorite places to invest in the Riviera Maya. Both are great investment opportunities for different reasons, and being in close proximity to either place, you can’t go wrong with investing in Tulum or Playa del Carmen. This article will show you the advantages of investing in Playa del Carmen and the advantages of investing in Tulum. Continue reading →

4-Level Split For Sale High return on investment due to the concept and location.

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High return on investment due to the concept and location.

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Very Central, investment opportunity!

•  4-level split – $213,000. Great Price for this area
MLS® #PDC5TH213B

5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen – First Boutique Luxury Hotel Condo by this successful developer that we love !

With the hotel as a magnet and 5-star restaurant, which will serve the residential units will be ideal for living and so exclusive that people seek this specific for vacation rentals in this development (has lock-off feature) in 2 bedroom Condos for Sale .

This gorgeous complex will include:
– Spectacular caribbean ocean views
– Iconic building with Indian-Mexican design influences
– 32 residences and 24 hotel rooms
– The complex will have two Restaurants and two pools
– 2 Lobbys
– Underground parking
– High ROI I

Best boutique luxury residential in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy, live in and relax.
Boutique design concept residences and hotel rooms, combining a mix of residences and hotel amid an amazing atmosphere, totally lush and warm tropical feel.
The predominant colours will be white and gray, with splashes of color, polished concrete materials, wood (natural or ceramics), parts baked ceramic, glass, aluminum louvers (metal or prefabricated ) makes interiors a unique concept. Texturized ambiances.

Highly stylized interior design.

More information to follow as developers are releasing this gorgeous complex in the coming weeks. Get yourself on the reservations list. Already 70% SOLD !!

5,000 USD to reserve your very on condo.

Property information

Residential condo For Sale in 5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen

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With the hotel as a magnet and 5-star restaurant, which will serve the residential condos will be ideal for living and so exclusive that people seek this specific for vacation rentals in this development (has lock-off feature) in 2 bedroom Condos for Sale .

Photo Link
Very Central, investment opportunity!

•  4-level split – $213,000. Great Price for this area
MLS® #PDC5TH213

5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen – irst Boutique Luxury Hotel Condo by this successful developper that we love !

High return on investment due to the concept and location.

This gorgeous complex will include:
– Spectacular caribbean ocean views
– Iconic building with Indian-Mexican design influences
– 32 residences and 24 hotel rooms
– The complex will have two Restaurants and two pools
– 2 Lobbys
– Underground parking
– High ROI I

Best boutique luxury residential in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy, live in and relax.
Boutique design concept residences and hotel rooms, combining a mix of residences and hotel amid an amazing atmosphere, totally lush and warm tropical feel.
The predominant colours will be white and gray, with splashes of color, polished concrete materials, wood (natural or ceramics), parts baked ceramic, glass, aluminum louvers (metal or prefabricated ) makes interiors a unique concept. Texturized ambiances.

Highly stylized interior design.

More information to follow as developers are releasing this gorgeous complex in the coming weeks. Get yourself on the reservations list. Already 70% SOLD !!

5,000 USD to reserve your very on condo.

Property information

Condo For Sale in Playa del Carmen, Shangrila area

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2 bedroom 2. 5 bath condo for sale in playa del carmen for sale in Las Terrazas.

Las Terrazas in Playa del Carmen is awarded the development of the year in 2016. It is a unique design where each condo has large private terraces, all hidden in the trees of 38th ave.

 

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Swimming in less that 2 minutes!

•  1,100 sq. ft. single story – $505,000. Award-Winning Development
MLS® #PDC505

Shangrila, Playa del Carmen –

Only a stone’s throw to the beach, you can wake up and stroll down the treeline street on 38th and begin swimming in less that 2 minutes.
True to its name, this condo for sale in Playa del Carmen has one of the largest terraces in the building, which opens with sliding glass doors and adds 600 sq ft. to the condo size. Condo interior is 1100 sq ft.

The condo is sold unfurnished, with granite counter tops in the kitchen, all appliances included.
Each bedroom has its own walk in bathroom with large walk in closets
Honed marble in the bathroom countertops.

Las Terrazas has an amazingly large roof top pool, with ocean view and space for lounging and entertaining.
Building is complete with concierge, elevators, underground parking.

Please call for viewing.

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Bank Trust – What is it? When is it needed?

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Mexico Bank Trust and how to Purchase article

Bank Trust – What is it? When is it needed?

Mexico is a beautiful country and economically booming. You might have been thinking about either buying a property (or several properties as vacation rentals ) or developing a business here.

Good news! It’s a very good idea and totally feasible.

There are a few rules to respect, though.

This article will guide you through the various steps and explain two different schemes that will come in handy when you decide to make it happen i.e. setting up a Bank Trust (Fideicomiso) or a Mexican Corporation.

 

First of all, you have to know that a while back, it was impossible for Americans and Canadians to buy property in Mexico that was 50 km from any coastline or 100 km of a neighboring country (called the restricted zone). Only Mexican nationals were allowed to invest in land and properties located in this zone. The Mexican Constitution still stipulates that no foreigner is allowed to acquire land directly in this zone…However…some things have changed.

 

You can now invest in this zone through a Bank Trust:

A bank trust is a property interest held by a Mexican bank who´s sole purpose is to manage the property for the benefit of the owner. It is essential to remember that although the bank legally acts as the trustee and holds the title, your property is not an asset of the bank.

   It is valid for 50 years and can be extended for another 50 years.

You will need to set up one Bank Trust per property. So if you buy 2 or 3, you will end up with 2 or 3 bank trusts.

There is, of course, an annual fee that you’ll have to pay (the fee can vary between 400-800USD per Trust, depending on the bank and each particular case). You will be the main beneficiary but the Trust allows you to designate two beneficiaries (whoever you want: your spouse, children, partner…) and if anything is to happen to you, they will     automatically become main beneficiaries. The beneficiary has every legal right to occupy, rent, modify or inherit the property, and this is protected by the Mexican Constitution. The big advantage of this scheme is that there is no paperwork, you pay once a year and you are done for the next 12 months.

 

The other way to become a titleholder is through a Mexican corporation:

This scheme is advised if you are thinking of buying several properties (you can have as many properties as you want) for commercial use or if you are going to create another business. Indeed,  you can operate a business through it, work from home, or run an internet business. It is actually quite simple to set up (it shouldn’t take more than a week) and you can incorporate under whatever name you wish. You need a minimum of two shareholders, though. This option has many advantages (tax wise for example) but on the downside, it involves a lot of paperwork and administrative work. This scheme requires you to pay on a monthly basis and probably to deal with an accountant (that you will have to pay as well).

 

   You now are a little bit more aware of the different options offered to you if you want to buy in the restricted zone, but the best advice no matter what is always to ask a real estate professional.

At Living Riviera Maya Real Estate, we can help and guide you through each step. We have the experience, knowledge and we will find the solution that works best for you!

 

Penthouse condo For Sale in El Cielo Residencial

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El Cielo Residencial, Carretera Federal – An incredible, brand new Penthouse condo for sale in the gated community of El Cielo in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This is an excellent price, and penthouse units always sell quickly in this area. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen with granite counter tops. The spacious open living room area with terrace and a super-spacious private rooftop are just perfect for entertaining.

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Private rooftop – Partial ocean views!

•  1,400 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story – $227,000. Excellent Price!
MLS® #PDC227

Talk about location!
This amazing penthouse for Sale in Playa del Carmen is really close to the beach, and only a 10-minute drive away from downtown Playa del Carmen and 5th Avenue shops, malls, restaurants, and more!

This Penthouse Condo is in a secure, private gated community with 24-hour security, cameras, and even features keyless entry. Did we mention that there are only 6 units in this building?

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to own a piece of Caribbean Heaven at an unbeatable price. Contact our team today!

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Condo For Sale in Coco Beach, Beachfront

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Coco Beach, Beachfront – Just listed ! a real buy from the original owner ! Lots of charm.

Distinctive classic Mexican style ocean view condo. This condo is located on the 2nd floor
3 bedrooms and3 bathrooms all on one level.

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Let the waves lull you to sleep at nigh

•  1,600 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story – $355,000. Just listed a real buy
MLS® #PDC355

Coco Beach, Beachfront – Just listed ! a real buy from the original owner ! Lots of charm.

Distinctive classic Mexican style ocean view condo. This condo is located on the 2nd floor
3 bedrooms and3 bathrooms all on one level with authentic living spaces:

* Full kitchen with breakfast bar for 5.
* Dining area with table for 6.
* Living room
* Laundry nook off center hall
* Central A/C
* Ceiling fans in all bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, and dining room.
* Satellite TV (SKY)
* WiFi via TelMex through a fiber-optic link
* Electronic security safe
* Balcony with wall to wall sliding glass doors that can be opened.
* Curtains and mosquito screens for the balcony doors.
* Slight ocean view from the balcony when the trees are kept trimmed.
* Hurricane shutters on one large window of MBR#1.
* Lockable iron security gate at condo entrance door.
* Mosquito screen door at condo entrance door.
* Bath #3 has a tub/shower, all others have walk-in showers.

Hang in the hammock on the terrace and look out at the ocean through the tops of palm trees.

Less than 100 steps from the complex’s NE gate to the sands of sandy white Coco Beach.
* Not beachfront, but located just behind Mahekal.

This gorgeous development comprises twelve buildings and shares a common interior wall.
* There are 3 floors per building for a total of 36 condos.
* Condos are all 2 or 3 bedroom.
* Beach showers are located on the beach end of the complex, just inside the
center gate.
* Buildings A thru F were built between 1999 and 2003.
* Buildings G thru L were built between 2003 and 2004.
* Currently managed by a professional/licensed management
company that services many complexes in the area.

Security and Staff:
* Fully walled and gated complex.
* 24-hour security staff.
* An external security company is used
* There are many video cameras with night vision and DVR recording that are being
monitored by security
* There are gardeners and maintenance staff that are employees that
work during the day to maintain the grounds. Many of the staff have been with
the complex for more than 10 years.

Pool and Fountains:
* There is a large shared pool in the center of the complex, rectangular with half
circle ends. About 5 ft. deep in the center, and 3 ft. on the ends. Colored tile
identifies where the depth changes. Not heated. Two shade pergolas exist at the
pool.
* There are 11 water features fed by 7 pumps found around the grounds that add to the
ambiance by providing bubbling stream noises. These are on timers to reduce costs
and generally shut off at night.

Parking:
* There are parking spots both inside and outside of the complex security fence.
About 20 inside, and about 9 outside.
* No parking spots are reserved to any specific condo.
* No more than one vehicle per condo is allowed, if there is more than one
vehicle per condo, it needs to be parked on the public street or at some
offsite location.

Rooftops:
* All rooftop areas on all buildings are considered shared/common areas.

The stove and refrigerator are now brand new!
The 12-year-old A/C unit is being replaced within the next 30 days !!

Great rental property too.
Best pool in all Playa del Carmen, call us to see this classic Playa del Carmen property !

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Beachfront Condo For Sale in Playa del Carmen

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Awesome Ocean view

•  2 bath, 2 bdrm single story condo for sale – $600,000. Premier location
MLS® #PDCLE565

Beachfront, Playa del Carmen – Premier location beachfront condo for sale Playa del Carmen.

Awesome broad ocean views, large spacious luxury American standards condo right in the heart of Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya.

This beautifully furnished Playa del Carmen condo is a successful income producing property with a long rental history giving you high return on investment. Enjoy for family vacations or as a perfect location to retire in Riviera Maya.
Currently, this is the lowest priced condo in this highly sought after building on the beach in Playa del Carmen

This condo has the best views! Premier location- these resort condos are set between Playa del Carmen’s fabulous beach and animated world famous international sidewalk scene.Within a block find Playa’s urbane Fifth Avenue pedestrian walkway with it’s tempting relaxed cafés and gourmet restaurants, exclusive lounges, hip night clubs, and al fresco bars, intriguing boutiques and local purveyors of all types and variety.

You can’t go wrong because this dreamy condo offers:
-large spacious floor plan with views to ocean from kitchen living room and master bedroom
-large bedrooms, built in walk in closets,
-gourmet kitchen with double stainless steel fridge, gourmet counter tops
-tropical hardwood cupboards
-dishwasher
-microwave
-all electrical equipment such as flat screen TV ,
-marble counter tops in bathrooms,
-a beautiful infinity pool looking out over crystal clear Caribbean sea
-prime beach front location
-beach club location,
-close to 5th ave and downtown
-underground parking
-24-hour security
-elevators
-fully furnished and ready to go with rental weeks already booked for you to begin earning money on your Playa del Carmen beachfront condo.

Property information